Chief Program Officer, Community Impact Leader

AKM RAHMAN

*********@**.***; North Reading, Massachusetts; Phone: 617-***-****

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmrahman/ OBJECTIVE

Dynamic and results-oriented executive with extensive leadership experience in multi- billion-dollar federal program operations, stakeholder engagement strategies, and national policy initiatives. Adept at team leadership, program administration, and delivering actionable solutions that align with organizational goals. Proven track record in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and spearheading nationwide strategies for compliance, awareness, and operational excellence. SUMMARY

Seasoned executive with 25+ years leading large federal and state programs. Proven track record managing multi-billion dollar funds, modernizing grant operations, leading interagency partnerships, and delivering measurable outcomes in program performance, audit readiness, and equity-focused service delivery. CORE COMPETENCIES

Grants Management; Multi-Billion Dollar Fund Management; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and COVID-19 Appropriations; Budget Formulation; Performance Management; Audit and Monitoring Readiness (HHS-Office of the Inspector General, General Accounting Office); Interagency Coordination; Renewable Energy Integration; Community Solar; Technical Assistance; Stakeholder Engagement; Team Leadership; Succession Planning; Strategic Planning; Training and Technical Assistance; Procurement; Federal Legislative Process. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance Program Operations Branch Chief 2014 – 2025

• Directed a $4.0B LIHEAP portfolio and restructured fund allocation strategy to accelerate disbursement and improve targeting across 200+ jurisdictions, achieving measurable reductions in household energy insecurity.

• Led implementation of American Rescue Plan and COVID-19 LIHEAP appropriations ( $4.0B), achieving 100% obligation of emergency funds and providing targeted technical assistance that increased benefit uptake and shortened processing times.

• Modernized grant management and oversight systems, deploying data-driven performance frameworks and streamlined compliance processes that improved AKM RAHMAN

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reporting accuracy, reduced corrective-action cycles, and increased audit readiness.

• Introduced renewable energy integration into LIHEAP guidance by adding solar coordination language to grant applications and negotiating procedural linkages with DOE and state partners to align LIHEAP investments with community solar initiatives, expanding resilience and reducing long-term household energy costs.

• Built and supervised a multidisciplinary staff of program managers, auditors, contracted specialists, and policy analysts; implemented coaching, professional development, and succession planning that improved retention and leadership bench strength.

• Established and managed a two-year national Poverty Fellowship in partnership with University of Wisconsin, hosting four fellows and translating fellowship research into operational procedures linking home energy assistance to social determinants of health.

• Directed grants monitoring and targeted technical assistance (TTA) activities, coordinating interventions that materially increased grantee compliance and program performance metrics.

• Led monitoring and audit coordination with HHS staff and contractors, HHS-OIG, GAO, and state auditors across top states and 100+ grant recipients over a ten-year period, resulting in strengthened internal controls and reduced audit findings.

• Led DOE-led client eligibility and service coordination workgroups and operational alignment with HUD and USDA to reduce duplication and increase bundled benefit access for households.

• Coordinated cross-HHS initiatives with Head Start, Office of Legislative and Budget, CDC, CMS, and other HHS community services programs to integrate energy assistance into health, early childhood, and planning—improving whole-family outcomes.

Acting Division Director 2018 – 2022 (as assigned)

• Provided executive leadership for national LIHEAP strategy and operations, aligning program design with federal priorities to improve responsiveness and stakeholder confidence.

• Managed multi-billion dollar budget formulation and execution, reprioritizing investments for emergency response and equity-focused initiatives while maintaining rigorous fiscal controls.

• Represented the Division in White House briefings and Congressional hearings, securing bipartisan support for program enhancements and emergency funding.

• Directed procurement, legislative clearances, and intergovernmental negotiations to accelerate approvals for program innovations and ensure transparency and compliance.

AKM RAHMAN

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Division of Community Services

Senior Program Coordinator 2008 – 2014

• Managed subgrant monitoring and evaluation, implementing performance frameworks that improved statewide compliance and service effectiveness.

• Designed and led annual conferences and TTA events to increase grantee capacity and adoption of best practices.

• Represented the state on national LIHEAP workgroups and advised on program integrity, performance measurement, and leveraging strategies.

• Prepared annual legislative reports and responded to executive-branch inquiries, strengthening policy alignment across stakeholders.

• Supported formation of 12+ Community Development Corporations to expand affordable housing and local economic development. Program Coordinator and Grants Management Specialist 1992 – 2008

• Oversaw grant application reviews, contract management, program evaluation, and performance management systems to support compliance and effective service delivery.

• Delivered applied training and technical assistance to Community Action Agencies on needs assessment, strategic planning, and succession planning. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• Edward Gingold Award — National Energy Utility Affordability Coalition

• Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service — Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• Leadership Award — Massachusetts Energy Directors Association Certificates of

• Excellence in Program Integrity and Performance Management — Office of

• Community Services, HHS

• TANF Contingency Award — Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• Community Services Award — Urban Edge, Massachusetts EDUCATION

• M.A., Political Science — Northeastern University, Boston, MA

• B.S.S., Political Science

REFERENCES

• Available upon request

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